The latest additions to the Geelong and District database and web site include the first part of the index to a new book – Pioneering Days: a woman’s life compiled by the Colac & District Family History Group. The group has spent almost 10 years compiling the data and it definitely warrants a full index. Apart from the terrific content, so many of the entries include funeral details from local newspapers which has resulted in a huge number of people mentioned throughout the book. It would be impossible to include all of these in the printed index, therefore it warranted a full computerised index.

Only 71 pages have been indexed so far but that has resulted in almost 2,000 entries. Multiple entries for people will let you check the book for the date of the funeral(s) and therefore act as a local directory for these people. The book can be purchased from the Colac & District Family History Group.

We also have more additions to the Geelong & District Midwives collection from the Victoria Government Gazette – it still amazes me how popular this series is!

If you haven’t caught up with the news, the Geelong Heritage Centre has moved while the new Library and Heritage Centre is built on the site of the old premises.

The Heritage Centre is currently closed during the move and will re-open on Thursday 27th June on the 3rd floor of the National Woold Museum at 26 Moorabool Street, Geelong.

The good news – the Heritage Centre will be open Mon-Fri 10.00 am – 5.00 pm. This will make things a lot easier for visitors to the region as they can make a “long weekend” of their visit and go to the Heritage Centre on a Monday or Friday.

IMPORTANT: Much of the Heritage Centre Archives are now stored off-site and you will need to order certain items in advance AND check that they are ready for your visit. Keep checking the Heritage Centre web site for details.